Bath and/or shower device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a bath and/or shower device, comprising a tub ( 2 ) with a lowered entry region ( 3 ) that can be closed in a watertight manner by a moveable door. 
     In order to render possible a simple and material-saving production with sufficient stability, one of the sidewalls ( 2   a ) of the tub ( 2 ) is provided with a recess ( 2   b ) extending essentially over the entire length and depth of the sidewall ( 2   a ), the moveable door ( 4 ) essentially covers half of this recess ( 2   b ) and the other half of the recess ( 2   b ) is closed in a watertight manner by a further separate and fixedly mounted component ( 6 ).

The invention relates to a bath and/or shower device, comprising a tub with a lowered entry region that can be closed in a watertight manner by a moveable door.

Bath and/or shower devices with a shower tray having a low, ground-level or almost ground-level edge do not make it possible to have a fully adequate bath seated in the shower tray. On the other hand, although a conventional bathtub, at most with a splash protection in the form of a shower curtain or a shower attachment composed of glass panes, renders showering and bathing possible, an entry at ground level or almost at ground level, as into a shower tray, is not possible, because it is necessary to climb over the high edge of the bathtub, which is an almost insurmountable obstacle in particular for those with mobility problems or older people. Therefore a shower as well as a bathtub is usually installed, with a substantial space requirement and increased cost.

As a further development of combined bath and/or shower devices, systems were then developed as disclosed, for example, in DE 299 14 087 U1, which have a substructure embodied in the manner of a bathtub, which in its edge height corresponds approximately to the edge height of a bathtub and which has an entry area almost at ground level, which can be closed against the environment in a water-tight manner by means of a door fastening against an elastomer seal arranged on the substructure in the entry region. The door with locking means can be pulled sufficiently strongly against an elastomer seal from outside that no water can leak out of the substructure in the closed condition. A bathtub/shower combination with an entry region is likewise known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,808, which can be closed in a watertight manner by means of a door. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,345 A a bathtub with a vertically moveable tambour door is disclosed. CN 101342060 A also shows a bathtub with only one door in one of the sidewalls and in U.S. Pat. No. D622363 S a combined shower/bathtub with only one door in one of the sidewalls is disclosed, which has a cutout that can be closed by this door as an entry region.

Bathtubs or substructures for bath and/or shower devices of this type are components with a relatively complex shape and very expensive production, in particular when taking into account the stability and absorption of all forces necessary for tightness.

The object of the present invention was therefore a device that permits a simple and material-saving production with sufficient stability.

To attain this object, a device of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized according to the invention in that one of the side walls of the tub is provided with a recess extending essentially over the entire length and depth of the sidewall, that the moveable door essentially covers half of this recess and the other half of the recess is closed in a watertight manner by a further, separate component fixedly attached. A component that is open over essentially one entire side is simpler to produce than tubs with entry and exit regions of smaller dimensions, wherein, however, the expenditure and space requirement for the door covering the other part of the open side is kept small due to the fixedly attached component. Thus a high degree of comfort for the user and a high degree of flexibility in use—either as a shower or optionally as a bathtub—can be coordinated with a relatively simple and economic production.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is characterized in that in the central region of the recess, between the region of the door and that of the separate component, a bulge with a height up to essentially the height of the other walls of the tub and/or a center column is provided, wherein preferably at least one water flow is integrated into the center column. Stability in the region of the open side is thereby increased and, if required, can be increased still further by additional installations in the region of the bulge or an optionally separately installed center column which separates the region of the door and the region of the fixedly installed separate component. The center column can additionally have at least one water flow, for instance to supply a tub inlet likewise integrated in the center column, an overflow or also a shower head, which preferably will be the case with a center column going beyond the tub edge height.

This can be carried out, for example, in that a reinforcing structure is provided for at least that region of the vertical sections of the recess, preferably also the region of the bulge or of the center column, if necessary with a connection to a floor construction. Via a reinforcement structure of this type the [word missing] caused by the water and also by the use of the tub—for example, when the user supports himself on the tub—can be absorbed and optionally a deformation of the tub causing leaks can be avoided by a connection of the reinforcement structure to the floor or the wall.

A simple construction having a small space requirement and weight is provided by an embodiment in which a fork-shaped reinforcing structure surrounds the region of the recess on all sides, wherein two side parts of this structure extend at the edges of the recess up to the tub edge and a center portion at least projects into the bulge or center column, preferably likewise at least up to the height of the tub edge, wherein if necessary the bulge is provided with an opening for passing through this center part.

For a comfortable entry into the bath and/or shower device and, when used as a bathtub, a secure seal at the same time, it is particularly advantageous if the door is embodied as a swing door, which opens against the inside of the tub and is to be opened inwards, or as a sliding door preferably to be opened in the direction of the separate component, which reaches at least to the height of the tub edge. In both cases the water pressure aids the sealing effect when the door is closed, so that complex means for pressing or pulling the door can be avoided.

A further increase in comfort is provided by an embodiment in which the separate component is embodied as a shower partition extending in height beyond the tub edge, if necessary, also horizontally into the region of the adjoining end wall.

A further increase in comfort can be achieved if the door and/or the separate component are made of a clear, transparent material.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is characterized in that an essentially horizontal, wide tub edge without adjoining vertical cladding is provided with at least one end wall or sidewall of the tub, preferably at least the sidewall lying opposite the recess. By means of a design of this type a hidden volume is created in the region between the wall or the walls and the adjoining component, that permits the surface accommodation of lines and therefore without processing the surrounding masonry, but nevertheless hidden from the user's view, and also the assembly or passage of fittings. Furthermore, by means of a design of this type, sufficient space in the upper body region for comfortable showering without much restriction of the freedom of movement can be combined with a small water volume necessary for bathing.

In addition, a wide tub edge provides good seating for the user and space for accommodating storage for bath accessories.

If, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the tub is embodied as a molded part or deep drawn part, preferably of a plastic material, this permits a simple and material-saving production. Two such molded parts can thus be respectively produced jointly, preferably in the deep drawing procedure, with low material waste.

In order to ensure good tightness, the tub in the region of the door and/or of the separate component has moldings for the watertight connection thereof, preferably using an interior perimeter seal.

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown diagrammatically in the drawings and is explained in more detail below.

FIG. 1 thereby shows a conventional combined shower and/or bath device with lower-lying entry region,

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a tub for a combined shower and/or bath device according to the invention in perspective view,

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a shower and/or bath device according to the invention in perspective view,

FIG. 4 shows a reinforcing structure for the tub of the device according to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from below of a tub with a further embodiment of a reinforcing structure,

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show an embodiment of a shower and/or bath device according to the invention with a sliding door, and

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment according to the invention for a tub for a combined shower and/or bath device according to the invention.

A bath and shower device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a tub 2 with a lowered entry region 3 arranged almost at ground level, which can be closed in a water-tight manner by a door 4 optionally projecting above the edge 5 of the tub 2 in height. It has a bath region, if necessary, with an integrated seating surface, as well as a shower region and can be produced in any desired manner, for example, as a coated, for example, enameled deep drawn part of a metallic material or as an injection molded or deep drawn acrylic tub or as a GRP, CFRP or another fiber-reinforced plastic in the laying up procedure or spray process. The door 4 is advantageously produced from a clear, transparent material, for example, mineral glass or Perspex or acrylic glass, wherein a door 4 opening inwards is advantageous for small bathrooms. When the tub 2 is filled, the door 4 is under water pressure, which contributes to the tightness.

In order now to render possible a simpler, material-saving production, despite the necessary stability, of a combined bath and/or shower device, the shaping shown in FIG. 2 has been developed. One of the sidewalls 2 a of the tub 2 is thereby provided with a recess 2 b extending essentially over the entire length and depth of the sidewall 2 a. A component 2 of this type, open over essentially an entire side, is easier and more economical to produce than a tub with entry and exit regions of smaller dimensions in an otherwise closed sidewall. Thus in each case two molded parts of this type can be produced jointly, preferably in the deep drawing process, with low material waste.

With the shower and/or bath device ready for use, as shown in a possible embodiment in FIG. 3, a door 4 is provided, which essentially covers half of this recess 2 b, while the other half of the recess 2 b is closed in a water-tight manner by a further separate component 6, which preferably is made of a different material than the tub 2, preferably like the door 4 of a clear, transparent material. Nevertheless, according to the invention the expenditure and pivot range for the door 4, embodied in this shown embodiment as a swivel door, can be kept low, since this still needs to cover only a part of the side wall of the tub 2. Due to the fixedly mounted component 6, the expenditure and space requirement for the complete closing and sealing can also be kept low, wherein, however, there is a high degree of comfort for the user—through the possible entry almost at ground level, in particular when used as a shower—and a high degree of flexibility in use—either as a shower or, optionally with the door 4 closed, as a bathtub.

The fixedly mounted component 6—as is shown in FIG. 3—with the formation of a shower partition can extend beyond the height of the tub edge 5 advantageously up to the ceiling of the bathroom. An extension along the entire length of the tub 2 in the horizontal direction not covered by the door 4 and optionally also a preferably complete covering of the adjoining end wall is also possible.

As can be further seen in FIG. 2, a bulge 7 is provided in the center region of the recess 2 b in the region of the transition between the door 4 and that of the separate component 6. This bulge 7 can extend up to a height of essentially the height of the other walls of the tub 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, however, the bulge 7 extends only slightly beyond the level of the lower edge of the entry into the tub 2 or of the lower edge of the recess 2 b and is extended upwards by a center column 8. This center column 8—as in the case of FIG. 2—can end at the height of the edge 5 of the tub 2, i.e., at a height of essentially the height of the other walls of the tub 2, or also can be extended beyond that, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 1 Due to this bulge 7 and possible center column 8, the stability in the region of the open side 2 b is increased, which can be increased still further by additional installations in the region of the bulge 7. Advantageously, the center column 8 or a bulge 7 with extension up to the wall edge 5 separates the region of the door 4 and the region of the fixedly mounted separate component 6.

A center column 8 extending beyond the tub edge 5 can be provided with transverse structures 8 a, which extend above the tub 2 towards the interior thereof and, for example, can bear at least one showerhead 9, which preferably can be connected through the center column 8 to the water supply. Even with a lower center column 8, at least a water flow can be integrated therein which for example [word missing] a tub inlet, a tub overflow or a combination of these two fittings provided likewise in the center column and thus in the vicinity of the user still standing outside the tub 2.

To reinforce and stabilize the component 2 in the lower and center region of the recess 2 b, a reinforcing structure 10 (see FIG. 4) can be provided for at least the region of the vertical sections of the recess, i.e., the region from the floor-side edge up to the height of the edge 5 of the sidewalls of the tub 2. A simple constructing having good reinforcing properties despite small space requirement and weight can be achieved, for example, with a fork-shaped reinforcing structure 10, the two side parts 10 a of which extend at the edges of the recess 2 b up to the tub edge 5. Preferably, a reinforcement is also provided for the region of the bulge 7 or a center column 8 extending further up to at least the level of the edge 5 of the tub, for which a center part 10 b can extend at least into the bulge 7 or center column 8 and preferably likewise up to at least the height of the tub edge 5. To this end, the bulge 7 must possibly be provided with an opening for guiding through this center part 10 b of the reinforcing structure 10, wherein this center part 10 b also can be used as a mounting option for a center column 8.

The reinforcing structure 10 of FIG. 4—as is discernible in FIG. 5—can advantageously be connected to a floor construction 10 c, and can extend under the tub 2 up to the opposite side thereof and be supported there. The stresses and forces caused by the water and also by the user of the tub 2 can be absorbed and supported via an expanded reinforcing structure 10 of this type of FIG. 5, so that a deformation of the tub 2 and leaks resulting therefrom in the region of the door 4, the component 6 or the transition from the bulge 7 to the attached center column 8 are avoided.

Alternatively to the already mentioned embodiment of the door 4 as a swivel door, a comfortable entry into the bath and/or shower device according to the invention and, when used as a bathtub, a secure seal at the same time are ensured when the door 4 is embodied as a sliding door (see FIGS. 6 a and 6 b), which opens against the inside of the wall of the tub 2 and the bulge 7 and optionally the center column 8 and is to be opened inwards. In any case, the water pressure with this construction method supports the sealing effect when the door is closed. The center column 8 can have additionally longitudinal structures 8 b especially for this embodiment, which, for example, can bear guides for the door 4 embodied as a sliding door. The longitudinal structures 8 b of course can also be provided in the case of a center column 8 reaching only the height of the tub edge 5, in which case a possible sliding door 4 would also reach only up to the edge height.

Compared to conventional tubs, an advantageous embodiment according to the present invention, which is shown in FIG. 7, furthermore for at least one end wall or at least the side wall lying opposite the recess 2 b has an essentially horizontal tub edge 5 a that is wider compared to conventional dimensions, wherein any cladding adjoining it and being essentially vertical is avoided. With the installation of a tub 2 of this type immediately adjoining at least one wall of the bathroom in the region between the at least one wall and the component 2 bearing against it, a volume defined by the component 2 and the widened tub edge 5 a is created, in which lines or the like can be accommodated in a surface manner but nevertheless invisible to the user. The assembly of fittings is also possible in this hidden volume into which recesses, protrusions or similar cavities can project from the tub edge 5, in which, for example, bathing accessories can be accommodated. A further example of a shaping of this type is a space that is generous in the upper body region for comfortable showering with large freedom of movement, but a small volume to be filled with water for the use as a bathtub. The wide tub edge 5 a also represents a good and secure seating option for the user.

In order to guarantee good tightness, the tub 2 advantageously has in the region of the door 4 and/or of the separate component 6 moldings for the watertight connection thereof, preferably using an interior perimeter seal 11, which likewise shown in FIG. 7, naturally is also provided likewise in all of the other embodiments of the invention, however. 

1. A bath and/or shower device, comprising a tub (2) with a lowered entry region (3) that can be closed in a watertight manner by a moveable door (4), characterized in that one of the sidewalls (2 a) of the tub (2) is provided with a recess (2 b) extending essentially over the entire length and depth of the sidewall (2 a), that the moveable door (4) essentially covers half of this recess (2 b) and the other half of the recess (2 b) is closed in a watertight manner by a further, separate component (6) fixedly attached.
 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the central region of the recess (2 b), between the region of the door (4) and that of the separate component (6), a bulge (7) with a height up to essentially the height of the other walls of the tub (2) and/or a center column (8) is provided, wherein preferably at least one water flow is integrated into the center column (8).
 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that a reinforcing structure (10) is provided for at least that region of the vertical sections of the recess (2 b), preferably also the region of the bulge (7) or of the center column (8), if necessary with a connection to a floor construction (10 c).
 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that a fork-shaped reinforcing structure (10 a, 10 b) surrounds the region of the recess (2 b) on all sides, wherein two side parts (10 a) of this structure (10) extend at the edges of the recess (2 b) up to the tub edge (5) and a center portion (10 b) at least projects into the bulge (7) or center column (8), preferably likewise at least up to the height of the tub edge (5), wherein if necessary the bulge (7) is provided with an opening for passing through this center part (10 b).
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the door (4) is embodied as a swing door, which opens against the inside of the tub (2) and is to be opened inwards, or as a sliding door preferably to be opened in the direction of the separate component (6), which reaches at least to the height of the tub edge (5).
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the separate component (6) is embodied as a shower partition extending in height beyond the tub edge (5), if necessary, also horizontally into the region of the adjoining end wall.
 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the door (4) and/or the separate component (6) are made of a clear, transparent material.
 8. The device according claim 7, wherein an essentially horizontal, wide tub edge (5 a) without adjoining vertical cladding is provided with at least one end wall or sidewall of the tub (2), preferably at least the sidewall lying opposite the recess (2 a).
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the tub (2) is embodied as a molded part or deep drawn part, preferably of a plastic material.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the tub (2) in the region of the door (4) and/or of the separate component (6) has moldings for the watertight connection thereof, preferably using an interior perimeter seal (11). 